At that moment, a familiar voice suddenly sounded in Berrin's ears.
He turned around and saw the impeccably dressed butler. Surprised and delighted, he said, "Grandpa Moxie, why are you here?"
The butler nodded at Berrin, then walked over and took a look at the young master, who was wearing linen clothes and holding a water scoop. His expression suddenly darkened.
Although he had expected the young master to suffer some hardship after being captured, Berrin was still a noble's son. Was this Aven being too negligent?
Even if he was a captive, the young master should still enjoy treatment befitting his noble status—not be working like a fruit farmer doing servant's work in an orchard!
Hmph. Aven dared treat the young master like this? Even if you are about to become a noble, be prepared to face the wrath of House Baron Ruize. The butler's face darkened.
In the distance, Simon noticed someone approaching Berrin and hurried over to check the situation.
As the one responsible for guarding Sir Berrin, he also had a duty to protect him. He couldn't allow anything to happen to a noble under his watch.
"You're the one guarding our young master?"
"Today, I must have a proper talk with Lord Aven."
"Was it under his orders, or are you guards making things hard on our young master of your own accord?!"
The butler's tone was extremely cold, pouring out all his frustration and concern for the young master, and his anger toward Aven, onto the villager before him.
"Grandpa Moxie, please don't be angry." Seeing the butler lose his temper, Sir Berrin quickly realized something was off.
He hurriedly introduced, "This is Simon—he saved my life."
The butler was taken aback by the explanation and looked Simon up and down, surprised that the young master would speak in defense of a villager.
"This whole thing is rather complicated."
"Since you're here, it must mean that Aven has allowed us to leave, right?"
"I'll explain everything in detail when we return. Things aren't what you think, and they didn't make things hard for us."
The butler nodded silently. "I came to take you home."
Then he looked at Simon, implying that he could leave now—Berrin no longer needed supervision.
Simon opened his mouth, then suddenly turned to Berrin and said, "Actually, you've been allowed to leave for a while now. Aven said your labor reform sentence ended a long time ago."
Even though it wasn't necessary, he still felt the need to inform the noble.
To his surprise, Sir Berrin nodded and said, "Yes, Aven told me that a while ago."
Simon was completely stunned. He looked at the noble in shock. Since he had known he could leave, why had he stayed in Fruitvale Village to continue working?
…
"My Lord, the date of your ennoblement has been set."
"The ceremony will take place in the castle of Aspiration City, and Her Highness will personally confer your title."
"Until then, I'll guide you through the process and preparations. Please be ready."
Johnson briefly explained the procedures of the upcoming ennoblement ceremony.
Aven could only sigh—he had no interest in the ceremony itself. As far as he was concerned, just give him the staff of office that symbolizes his new status.
However, for nobles in this world, receiving a title from a liege lord was sacred. It signified formal recognition of one's class.
At the ceremony, all the nobles of the domain would gather to witness the addition of a new peer among them.
For Aven, this was also a crucial opportunity to establish contact with other nobles. Without their recognition, he couldn't integrate into the noble circle.
Though the ceremonial procedures were tedious, the banquet afterward meant every noble would bring a congratulatory gift—making for a decent gain.
Moreover, as he developed his territory, he would need to interact with these nobles frequently. Their support was essential.
Resigned to the situation, Aven began seriously preparing for the ceremony, which was only a week away. Time was tight.
…
Outside Fruitvale Village.
The eight captured nobles had now all gathered at the village entrance.
When they heard they could finally go home, some were moved to tears—they truly didn't want to stay here a day longer.
"When we return, I hope you all keep your mouths shut."
"Aven is now about to become a Earl of the Southeast Border. He's no one you can afford to offend."
"Also, our time in Fruitvale Village hasn't been without value. I believe this experience will help us better manage our own territories."
Berrin looked at the young nobles seriously as he instructed them.
When they heard this, the young nobles were stunned. They all knew what being a border Earl meant.
What puzzled them was how, after just one winter, that ordinary commoner had become a border earl. Just thinking of Aven made their hearts shiver.
Challenging someone like that? Their reason screamed: Don't be foolish!
"Fine, we understand," one of the nobles nodded. Then he suddenly realized—why was Berrin speaking on Aven's behalf?
"Remember the life we had here."
"When you rule your own territories one day, you'll understand the benefits."
Berrin snorted, then cast a deep glance back toward Fruitvale Village. Only he knew how much he had changed during this time.
He had to admit—Aven was truly a genius. The rapid development of Fruitvale Village under his leadership was proof.
Still, those experiences had become valuable lessons for managing his own territory. He felt confident he wouldn't be far behind Aven in that regard.
Off to the side, the butler quietly observed, recalling the young master's earlier words. Though he didn't know what Berrin had gone through, he could tell he had matured greatly.
"Let's go. Time to go home."
Berrin took one last look at the village before turning and walking to the carriage.
Yes, it was a real carriage—drawn by a strong, handsome chestnut horse.
While most nobles and knights traveled in magical beast-drawn carriages, ordinary carriages remained the primary mode of transportation for commoners.
In Aven's domain, all magical beasts fitted with beast gear were banned. Thus, only regular horses were used to transport goods.
Even Johnson, the treasurer, found this regulation a bit absurd.
Humans had long been used to taming magical beasts with equipment, yet Aven insisted they must first gain the magical beast's approval!
"Magical beast approval... that's exactly why Fruitvale Village developed so quickly." Berrin murmured, his heart clear.
Then, on instinct, he looked back toward Fruitvale Village again, thinking of the Oddish he had spent so much time with in the orchard. He hoped it would be well in the future.
But just as he turned, Berrin suddenly froze.
On the distant grassy field, he saw a familiar figure—it was the Oddish, standing quietly.
When it noticed Berrin looking its way, the Oddish shook the leaves on its head and joyfully ran toward him.
"Oddish..."
Berrin murmured, and suddenly felt something stir within him. He couldn't help but run toward the Oddish.
When he reached it, the Oddish stopped and happily shook its leaves.
"Silly thing, why did you come all the way here?"
"This time, I don't have any tasty food with me."
Berrin crouched down and gently said to the Oddish, "Come on, go back. I'm going home too."
The Oddish tilted its head, seemingly not understanding. It didn't leave—instead, it rubbed its head against Berrin's foot.
Looking at its behavior, Berrin opened his mouth. Then, as if making a decision, he asked, "Oddish, do you want to come with me? Come home with me?"
He felt nervous asking this.
To his surprise, the Oddish immediately nodded and leapt into his arms.
"So, you're agreeing..." Berrin was stunned, then smiled. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of you from now on."
Seeing Berrin return with a smile and the Oddish in his arms, the butler was stunned—but said nothing. He simply lifted the carriage curtain.
"Grandpa Moxie, please wait a moment."
"Before I leave, there's one more thing I need to do. I'll be back soon."
Saying that, Berrin ran toward Aven's place with the Oddish.
"Is something the matter?" Aven narrowed his eyes, glancing at Berrin and the Oddish in his arms, thoughtful.
"I want to take the Oddish with me."
"According to the rules, since I've gained its approval, I should be allowed to register here as a apprentice trainer, right?"
Sir Berrin looked at Aven seriously. This was why he had returned!
Although Aven had suspected it, he was still surprised that this proud noble would choose to bond with an Oddish.
"You've made up your mind?" Aven nodded calmly, then his face turned stern. "If you betray the Oddish, I will kill you."
This time, Sir Berrin didn't flinch and snorted coldly, "I won't give you the chance!"
After a moment of serious scrutiny, Aven smiled. "Alright. I approve. Just remember your promise today."
Berrin smiled in return, then asked seriously, "According to your rules, once I become an apprentice trainer, I can purchase services from the Pokémon Breeding House, right?"
(End of Chapter)